1. Residence Activities and the Changing Profile of Campus Residences as Learning Spaces Presenters: Barbara Gaudin & Rika van Schoor University of the Free State School of Higher Education studies 27 September 2011

2. Residences as learning spaces Qualitative research design
In this presentation
Background
Residences as learning spaces
Aim of study
Research Methodology
Qualitative research design
Trends at the UFS
Results of the study
Recommendations
Implementation

3. BACKGROUND Changing Profile of Campus Residences AT THE ufs
Old placement policy
New placement policy
History

4. RESIDENCES AS LEARNING SPACES To implement activities that mutually support and encourage students not only to stay together but more importantly to learn together
Colleges and universities should continue to recognize the need to assist students in transition” Hunter & Murray 2007:29

5. AIMs OF STUDY
To determine the impact of residence activities on the changing student profile of campus residences

6. Inaugural Speech 2007 Prof Jonathan D. Jansen
The real problem of transformation is, however not simply the number of black faces in the staff and student bodies of a former white university. The most important challenge is the problem of knowledge
No student (should) graduate from this university - without learning how to live and learn together in ways that prepare our youth for leadership in the workplace.

7. Research paradigm Interpretivist - transformative
Aim to expose structures of domination
Multiple realities, socially constructed and shaped by cultural, racial values
Social transformation

8. Diverse students need activities that are based on basic human rights and the integration of out of class learning experience Upcraft, 1989

9. QUALITATIVE RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
RESEARCH DESIGN
Case study
TARGET POPULATION
First year students in campus residences UFS
SAMPLING
Purposeful sampling
Maximum variation
DATA COLLECTION
Focus group discussions
First-years’ experience residence activities
Observation
INTERVIEWS
RESIDENCE COMMITTEES
RESIDENCE HEADS
SRC
STUDENT COUNSELING

10. Trends at ufs campus residences prior to 20o8
Residence traditions
Initiation/ orientation
Residence competition
Social activities
Diversity and integration
Residence leadership
Student development

11. Trends continue

12. RESULTS OF THE STUDY RESIDENCE TRADITIONS
Hierarchal system
Initiation practices
Needs of senior students priority
Inhibit the successful integration due to fear and intimidation
Team building - Affected dignity,
Change of value systems
Fear and humiliation create conflict
Difficulty in comprehending the behaviour and attitudes of different races
Residence leaders do not understand the needs of diverse student population
Residence leaders do not modify traditions –senior privileges interpreted as racist practices
Activities do not accommodate students of different races - back and white students alienated
Racial integration by fair representation leads to coexistence
HEI confusing – affects self-confidence

13. RESULTS OF THE STUDY Lack to promote healthy student lifestyle
Overemphasizing of social activities
Lack to promote healthy student lifestyle
Alcohol abuse role model behaviour patterns
Misunderstanding - Foreign values and attitudes
Alienation due to lack of intercultural activities that may lead to better understanding of different cultures
Overemphasizing of residence competition
Counter productive to a united student commumity
Black students’ perceptions that white students have advantages
Black students withdraw
White students under pressure – excessive activities

14. RESULTS OF THE STUDY Mentors Father and son or mother and daughter
Benefits are the support received from their peers
A need for training to exploit residences as spaces of learning and development of the whole student
Tutors
Residences have their own tutoring programmes
Lack of guidance
Serious need to promote an academic culture to create residences as spaces of learning

15. recommendations Residence traditions Diversity and integration
Total intolerance to initiation practices
The value of effective communication (seniors)
Active involvement to build a strong residence community.
Generic annual programme
Intercultural dialogue
Safe environments
Open and continuous discussions
Teach students empathy
Develop community to take responsibility for actions
Develop a value system

16. Recommendations Residence Leadership Role of the Residence Head
Training of student leaders
Perform with integrity
Accepting of peoples differences
Mentoring and tutoring
(professionals)
No longer housemothers/fathers
Professional educators
Leadership role in developing residence activities

17. Post 2010

18. Implementations from 2011
Appointment of Assistant director Student and Residence life
Residence traditions revised
Elections of Residence Committee members must be representative of residents
Residence Heads involved in training of residence leaders
Cluster programmes (4 residences share activities)
Mentor and peer support programme
Academic tutor programme

19. Implementation continue
Developing value systems in residence
Development of secondary tier of leadership in residences (corridor primes
portfolio committees, disciplinary committees)
Sustainable dialogue (talking stick)
Conscious programmes to involve and accommodate all cultures in residences
Generic annual programme

20. MULTICULTURAL DAY

21. DEBATE,TALKING STICK, COMMUNITY SERVICE CHURCH BRAAI

22. Intercultural dialogue
Open and continuous discussions
Appreciation of others

23. Part of what we must teach our students is not only how to give of their skills but how to give themselves in service to communities Prof Jonathan D. Jansen

24. Getting to know each other!
Tea-can debate
RC Committees
First years

25. Diverse first yearstudents in resid
THANK
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